[Ancapistani]

> Folks cannot buy contacts / glasses on their own

That's news to me.

[ClarityJones]

Yeah, in the US, customers need permission from an optometrist.

Edit: When buying for nearsightedness.

[hollerith]

Some eyeglasses do not require permission (prescription) in the US, including bifocal and progressive lenses.

[ClarityJones]

I know that's true for reading glasses, but is that also the case for distance?

[hollerith]

I don't know: I've never needed a lens that "un-magnifies".